Hydrogen Valley: IMI provides 2MW PEM electrolyser for green hydrogen production

IMI, the specialist engineering company, has provided a 2MW PEM electrolyser for the upcoming Hydrogen Valley project in Lamezia Terme, Italy.

The installation is set to be built on the brownfield site of the former SIR industrial complex and will produce 400 Nm³/h of green hydrogen at 40 barg, equivalent to approximately 36 kg/h.

Following the completion of the preliminary design phase and the acquisition of necessary permits for the Hydrogen Valley, Teca Gas awarded Techfem the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract. This includes the executive design, safety coordination during the design phase, and full construction of the facility.

The project also includes systems for hydrogen storage and compression up to 220 barg, as well as a loading bay for cylinder trailer filling — allowing distribution of the produced hydrogen to end users.

The IMI VIVO electrolyser will be produced at IMI’s design and manufacturing facility in Sardinia and is the technological core of the facility. It will be highly energy efficient, with a maximum projected consumption of 55 kWh/kg at full capacity, which is below the 58 kWh/kg threshold set by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Through the process of electrolysis, water molecules are split into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity. This is the fundamental process within the electrolyser, which will be partly powered by a new photovoltaic park that is integral to the project.

The ambition is to create a replicable Hydrogen Valley model within Italy, promoting the local production and use of hydrogen in both industrial and transportation sectors, in line with best practices established across other EU member states.

“Real change comes through strong partnerships, and the Hydrogen Valley project is a perfect example”, said Giuseppe Buscemi, EMEA President of Process Automation at IMI. “We are proud to work with Techfem and Teca Gas to deliver innovative solutions that produce green hydrogen, strengthen communities, and drive progress. Our advanced IMI VIVO electrolyser, combining high efficiency with proven reliability, will be at the heart of this sustainable energy initiative.”

Techfem CEO, Federico Ferrini, added “Our goal is to create synergies and partnerships that drive change, and by working on such an impactful project with IMI and Teca Gas, we have achieved this. The project aims to promote the local use and production of hydrogen, and IMI’s electrolyser has been crucial to achieving this in line with EU guidelines.”

“This marks an important step in the development of the Hydrogen Valley Lamezia Terme project”, said Pasquale Rocca, president of Teca. “The adoption of a high-efficiency electrolyser enables us to optimise energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. Our ongoing commitment is to create tangible and sustainable value for our region, and this project is concrete proof to that vision.”

The facility is expected to be operable from June 30, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the decarbonisation of the national energy system.